In case there is some confusion, former Broncos defensive lineman Simon Fletcher has not been elected into the team’s Ring of Fame.

Maybe, a case can be made that he should be, considering he holds the franchise record with 97 1/2 career sacks. Or maybe he shouldn’t be, considering Fletcher never was named to one Pro Bowl.

But what’s indisputable is he’s not in the Ring of Fame. And considering Fletcher’s last season was 1995, his chances aren’t looking good.

The confusion came during the Broncos’ pre-draft press conference Monday that featured John Elway, the team’s front-office boss. Near the end of the press conference, someone asked — no, it wasn’t a question, it was a statement: Simon Fletcher, Ring of Fame. The media member stated this in a way that suggested it was fact. I was working on Brian Dawkins’ retirement story and arrived late to Elway’s presser and thought I missed the Fletcher announcement.

Turns out — Simon Fletcher, Ring of Fame — was news to everyone. Elway, who is not one of the four members of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame committee, figured Fletcher had been elected but he must have missed the memo. When the guys upstairs are bunkered in draft meetings, they don’t know what it’s happening in the outside world, much less read the internal memos.

So Elway went on to say nice things about Fletcher’s election into the Ring of Fame: “Perfect,” Elway said. “He’s a guy that was a great player and a guy I really enjoyed having as a teammate. He was a great football, a guy with a great sense of humor and a great teammate but a good man, too. I’m thrilled for Simon, it’s a well-deserved honor because he did have so many great years for the Broncos back in the late 80s early 90s. He was a guy, second round draft pick? Really did a great job. I’m really happy for Simon. An honor well deserved.”

Just an honor not yet bestowed. Fletcher will have to call on that sense of humor now. At least he knows his most famous former teammate stands on his Ring of Fame candidacy.

The ring of fame is awesome in some ways and definitely flawed in others. The fact that Frank Tripucka is there says it all. Though he was our first QB he was not good at all. It actually shocks me that fletcher isn’t on there. I never realized that, i guess i always just assumed. A really underrated bronco historically. Should be up there with Mecklenberg, Jackson, Gradishar, Atwater etc…

Tommy

Tripuka is there largely because he didn’t have to be a Bronco. He joined the team as an assistant coach and came out of retirement at the request of head coach Frank Filchock. Compared to today’s quarterback statistics, yes, Tripuka’s numbers during his four year tenure with the Broncos are horrendous, but numbers like his were typical for quarterbacks back then. Keep in mind: Tripuka DID lead the Broncos to their first .500 season in 1962 and was named to the AFL All-Star game that season.

Anonymous

For those of us who were Bronco fans since day 1 there is no question that Tripucka should be there. To say that he was “not good at all” tells me that you probably weren’t around during those days. The measurement of a player in the early 60s compared to today using statistics is a little like comparing a 2012 automobile with one from the early 60s. The game is completely different.

For once Klis “gets it”. Simon Fletcher holds the Broncos’ career sack record and he’s not in the Ring of Fame? That’s ridiculous. Simon’s teammate from 1985-95, Karl Mecklenburg, is there, so Simon should be too. The only reason he hasn’t been considered for the Ring of Fame is because he never made it to the Pro Bowl. But that’s a cop out. Plenty of Bronco players in addition to Simon played for years and never got Pro Bowl berths even though they were darn good. Broncos, correct this oversight now. Give Simon his spot in the Ring of Fame.

RSH, Esq.

There is no reason why Simon Fletcher should not be in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. The guy could get to the quarterback whether standing up as a 3-4 rush linebacker or with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. Fletcher almost put up 100 sacks in his career; it’s time to see his name up where it belongs at Mile High.

darrylg

Simon Fletcher not being in the Ring of Fame is an affront to loyal Bronco fans , and must importantly , To # 73 , himself ! He was an unsung hero , creating havoc on the D-side .
Please selection committee – fix this oversight ! Pro Bowls be darned ! Don’t overlook Simon , like the HOF did to Floyd Little for far too long !

Seminoleup

Fletcher delivered each year he played. Each year I was shocked he wasn’t making the Pro Bowl and thought that voting process must have been flawed or political. One (pro bowl) should have nothing to do with the other (Ring of Fame).

Ironbronc

I ran into Simon in his home town of Bay City, Texas back in the 90’s and asked him why he wasn’t making it into the pro-bowl and his response indicated exactly what you are thinking..there were unpleasant politics he was not willing to participate in. I absolutely agree with everyone – the Ring of Fame is a totally different ball of wax and he belongs in it!

Oceansblu62

I sat in the stands for Simon’s entire football career here in Denver. I don’t think there is any question that he was among the greatest Broncos ever. Mr. Bowlen, please correct this mistake and add Simon Fletcher to the Broncos Ring of Fame. He was a classy man who represented the team well his entire career! Love ya Simon!

Rocky

The criteria shouldn’t include pro-bowls – the criteria should be what they did for the Denver Broncos.

Drkonijn

Simon says “Sit Down! and vote Simon into the Ring of Fame.”

RADAR

,Simon deserves to be in the Ring of Fame more than many of the current members. It doesn’t matter that he was never in the pro bowl. He was one of the best Broncos defensive players ever!!!!!!!!!

Kauailungdoc

Mr. Fletcher should be there. Before the super bowl, I remember an article about a single dad and how the team accepted and adopted his (daughter?) For a single dad in med scholl this gave me so much energy to continue, come on Broncos, wake up! Tad Jackson, M.D.

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.